James Bernard Keese

James Bernard Keese, age 83, of Shelbyville, TN, passed from this life on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at his home.

Born March 10, 1942, in Cullman, AL, James was the son of the late James Ottis Keese and Nollie Christine Williams. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, David Keese; sisters, Nollie Grace Keese and Shirley Faye Keese; nephew, Tony Leonard.

James was born and raised in Cullman, Alabama. Later, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he attended Silvan High School. At just 17, he joined the U.S. Navy and proudly served for five years before continuing his service in the U.S. Army for an additional four years. He went on to a 34‑year career as a boilermaker with Norfolk Southern. During those years, he furthered his education at Kennesaw State University, earning his bachelor's degree.

After retiring in 2002, James relocated to Chattanooga, Tennessee, to help care for his sister, and following her passing, he made his home in Shelbyville, Tennessee. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, golfing, and, most of all, writing stories. In his younger years, he also loved diving, swimming, and auto racing. James was of the Baptist faith and was a member of Oak Level Baptist Church in Cullman, Alabama.

He is survived by his children, James "Jamie" G. Keese of Villa Rica, GA, Carl J. (Erica) Keese of White, GA, and Madia (Mike) Lapa of East Port, ME; grandchildren, Michael Hutton, Casey Keese, Sadie Keese, Braylan Shepard, Haley Keese, and Taylor Keese, along with 4 great grandchildren; and brother, Michael G. Keese of AL.

A gathering of family and friends will be held to celebrate the life of James Bernard Keese, Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 2-4 p.m. in the chapel of Doak-Howell Funeral Home of Shelbyville, TN.

He will be transported to Hiram, Georgia, where a second service will be held at Clark Funeral Home (4373 Atlanta Hwy, Hiram, Georgia). Visitation will be on Monday, March 16, 2026, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. A funeral service will be held in the Sam Clark Chapel at 1:00 PM with Rev. Don Rackley officiating. James will then be laid to rest in Carroll Memory Gardens in Carrollton, Georgia. 

Clark Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the service for James Bernard Keese.